Walk to raise awareness on suicide

NEW GLASGOW – Tuesday marks the World Suicide Prevention Day and New Glasgow residents can do their part.

Pictou County Health Authority and the local coalition of Communities Addressing Suicide Together are hosting their second annual walk at noon at Carmichael Park.

“We want to get the message out that suicide has a big impact,” says Maureen Jones, manager of community initiatives with mental health services at the Pictou County Health Authority.

Before the walk, Brenda-Martin Hurlburt will be speaking about her experience losing her brother to suicide.

Hulburt speaks as a survivor voice as a member of Communities Addressing Suicide Together. The provincial intuitive allows for events to book speakers that are trained to talk about the impact and warning signs.

The walk will also offer information about the mental health options in Pictou County.

Jones hopes holding it in the middle of the day will make it easier for people to attend.

“People who are working can come over their lunch hour,” she says, adding that it allows more service providers to attend as well as students on their lunch break.

The actual walk begins at 12:30 p.m. and has two possible routes. Participants can choose to do the full walk through downtown New Glasgow or walk at their leisure on the Sampson Trail.